In a surprising twist of geopolitics, former President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland has echoed the Cold War strategies that once dictated military tactics in the Arctic region. Trump, during his presidency, propelled discussions around the strategic significance of Greenland, particularly its rich natural resources and its pivotal position between the United States and Europe. This renewed focus on the Danish territory harkens back to the late 1950s and 60s when Camp Century, a secret U.S. military base, operated under the guise of a polar research facility while developing missile launch strategies against the Soviet Union.
Situated deep under the ice of Greenland, Camp Century was more than just a base; it was part of Project Iceworm, an ambitious plan to establish a network of missile silos beneath the Arctic ice. During its operational years from 1960 to 1967, the camp also conducted valuable scientific research, laying groundwork for much of today’s understanding of climate dynamics through its pioneering ice core drilling, which reached depths of over 4,500 feet, capturing climatic conditions dating back more than 100,000 years.
Dr. Robert Weiss, who served as the camp physician, recounted how the base was designed as a “city under the ice,” featuring prefabricated buildings and a nuclear reactor that powered the facility. Living conditions, though unique, were surprisingly comfortable, providing a surprising backdrop to the often-overlooked military strategies that unfolded beneath the ice.
Today, concerns are rising regarding the potential environmental hazards left by Camp Century, particularly as global warming begins to influence the region’s climate dynamics. With summer melts outpacing winter snowfall, the remnants of this Cold War outpost could soon surface, posing risks associated with the waste and radioactive materials previously buried in the ice.
As Trump’s administration spotlighted Greenland, highlighting its strategic value, researchers and historians have drawn connections between past military endeavors and contemporary geopolitical strategies. Trump’s call for U.S. ownership of Greenland is reminiscent of Cold War strategies and raises questions about the role of strategic bases and monitoring in a rapidly changing Arctic landscape, as climate change shifts the geopolitical narrative.