US Operation to Take Greenland... Is Russia Gas Next? | Lee Moon-young, Professor, Seoul National University Institute for Peace and Unification Studies

Summary

Lee Moon-young, a professor at Seoul National University's Institute for Peace and Unification Studies, discusses the geopolitical drivers behind US interest in Greenland and the Arctic. He explains Trump's preference for limited operations over full-scale war, the strategic and resource value of Greenland, Russia's dominant position in Arctic territory and shipping, and a potential US-Russia natural gas cartel involving Nord Stream. He also assesses implications for Europe, NATO, Korea-Russia economic ties, and rare earth and critical minerals.

• Trump is pursuing strategic acquisitions and limited operations rather than large wars to secure US interests.
• Greenland matters for missile defense, Arctic resources, and control of the Arctic's strategic geography.
• Russia holds roughly half of Arctic territory and about 90% of the Arctic shipping route, with extensive military bases and icebreakers.
• China and Russia are cooperating on Arctic logistics such as Arctic Express No.1, while Korea's Busan may face both opportunity and sanctions constraints.
• The US and Russia are discussing a gas cartel where the US buys Nord Stream and resells Russian gas to Europe under a US brand.
• Rare earths and critical minerals in Greenland and Russia could help the US reduce dependence on China.
• Europe lacks military and economic leverage, and NATO cohesion is at risk if the US moves on Greenland.
• Putin has signaled interest in restoring practical economic cooperation with Korea.