Funding Granted for Analysing US Expansionism in the Arctic

Research Council Faroe Islands has granted funding for a Policy Paper on US expansionism in the Arctic and the future of the Danish Commonwealth.

A team led by the Faculty of History and Social Sciences at the University of the Faroe Islands has received app. DKK 250,000 to analyze the threats by the US government to conquer Greenland, if necessary with military means, and the historical crisis triggered by this between Denmark and the US.

This crisis may have far-reaching implications for the Danish commonwealth and the relationship between Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. While the Trump administration applies unprecedented external pressure, the Danish commonwealth is also shaped by internal tensions due to the independence movements and the quest for national self-determination in both the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

The Policy Paper will analyse American expansionism in the Arctic both historically and contemporarily and at the same time assess potential implications for the Danish commonwealth.

In addition to researchers from the University of the Faroe Islands, the team also includes researchers from Denmark and Greenland. Project leader is Heini á Skorini, Associate Professor at the Faculty of History and Social Sciences.   

The funding is granted from the Programme for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Policy - FASDiNA - which is financed by the Danish Government.The aim of the programme is to generate new knowledge on foreign affairs, security, and defence policy in the North Atlantic and to promote cooperation between the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Denmark on research in these fields.