Greenland Home Rule, 1979: Preserving and Reinforcing the Unity of the Realm through the Maintenance of Greenland’s Economic Dependency

This paper analyses the background of negotiations on economic matters, particularly fisheries and mineral resources, during the Greenland Home Rule Commission (1975–1978). Through a combined analysis of the US Central Foreign Policy Files and other primary sources, the paper highlights the centrality of economic issues in discussions on Greenland’s autonomy. Contrary to a prevailing narrative of Denmark supporting Greenland’s autonomy, the findings suggest that the negotiations were heavily influenced by Danish State interests aimed at preserving the Unity of the Realm by maintaining Greenland’s economic dependency. The paper calls for further research to explore these economic relations and their implications for Greenland’s self-determination.