When U.S. President Donald Trump first discussed purchasing Greenland in his first term, the concept was seen as only semi-serious. National security leaders in Washington recognized the strategic importance of the Danish territory but also accepted that the island was clearly not for sale. Now, a year into his second term, Trump has made increasingly clear once again his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland—with or without Denmark’s consent.

Trump’s comments, while alarming and widely condemned by European leaders, disguise a bigger problem: The United States lacks a coherent strategy for the Arctic region, and attempting to take control of Greenland is not a viable substitute for one. Instead of threatening annexation, Washington should expand its cooperation with partners and allies in the region and scale up its defense and civilian infrastructure investments.

When U.S. President Donald Trump first discussed purchasing Greenland in his first term, the concept was seen as only semi-serious. National security leaders in Washington recognized the strategic importance of the Danish territory but also accepted that the island was clearly not for sale. Now, a year into his second term, Trump has made increasingly clear once again his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland—with or without Denmark’s consent.

Trump’s comments, while alarming and widely condemned by European leaders, disguise a bigger problem: The United States lacks a coherent strategy for the Arctic region, and attempting to take control of Greenland is not a viable substitute for one. Instead of threatening annexation, Washington should expand its cooperation with partners and allies in the region and scale up its defense and civilian infrastructure investments.

The Arctic grows in importance even as the ice shrinks. Melting ice means that Arctic sea routes will become increasingly navigable for ships, even without icebreaking capabilities. At the same time, the region is home to substantial natural resources, with the U.S. Geological Survey estimating that the Arctic is home to 13 percent of the world’s undiscovered conventional oil and 30 percent of undiscovered conventional gas resources. Greenland is also

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