Decoding change: What will happen to Greenland?

In January 2026, following the U.S. military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, the Trump administration renewed its focus on Greenland. News headlines have been filled with speculations that similar decisive action could be applied to acquire the vast Arctic territory currently under Danish sovereignty.

Let’s turn to I Ching (the Book of Changes), using its ancient wisdom to facilitate our understanding of Greenland’s situation and what awaits it in the near future.

Welcome to Decoding Change, a live one-hour discussion series designed to explore contemporary questions through timeless frameworks provided by I Ching.

After following a traditional divination technique using bamboo sticks, I got the hexagram ䷎谦 (qiān, modesty), where the upper trigram is☷ 坤 (kūn, earth) and the lower trigram is☶ 艮 (gèn, mountain). There are no changing lines.

Let’s use this hexagram for our situational analysis of the fate of Greenland and its 57000 residents.

This hexagram depicts a mighty mountain standing firmly beneath the receptive, low-lying earth, symbolizing genuine modesty: true strength that remains unpretentious, grounded, and enduring.

I think this image resonates well with Greenland’s people.

Despite their small population, they have displayed remarkable unity and resolve. Greenland’s government (Naalakkersuisut) has firmly declared it “cannot accept under any circumstances” a U.S. takeover, emphasizing self-determination. In early January 2026, reports surfaced of confidential U.S. discussions about offering cash payments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person to sway Greenlanders toward supporting a sovereignty shift. Yet the prevailing sentiment remains steadfast: Greenland is not for sale.

Externally, Greenland faces mounting pressures.

Although a coalition of Europe’s most prominent leaders, including from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK, has issued a joint statement firmly rejecting the U.S. attempt, the broader European response and NATO remain fragmented, with some allies cautious about direct confrontation amid reliance on U.S. involvement elsewhere. For example, official NATO statements have remained focused on “dialogue” and “Arctic security” rather than an outright condemnation of the U.S. President. 

The greatest pressure comes from President Trump himself. Social media has amplified his resolve, with posts and commentary circulating images and statements declaring that Greenland will be obtained “one way or another”. In public remarks, Trump has repeatedly emphasised the strategic imperative, warning that Russia or China would otherwise move in and occupy the territory. The Trump administration has also explicitly stated that no one will fight them. 

Analysts also note that the U.S. forces already stationed at Greenland, and they are significantly stronger than the small Danish military presence there. Some believe that the U.S. could occupy the island with minimal resistance if it chose to. 

In this challenging position, Greenlanders have reported significant distress, with officials noting widespread anxiety and sleepless nights. Yet the I Ching diagnosis through Hexagram Modesty points to a profound truth: Greenland’s ultimate fate rests in the hands of its own people.

By maintaining inner strength and integrity—like a mountain that endures without arrogance—and displaying pragmatic, modest resilience outwardly, they can preserve their identity as Greenlanders, not Americans. The same hexagram also points out that division within, however, could erode that stability and invite a different outcome.

Interested? Join the discussion and let’s decode the change.

This session is not fortune-telling but an invitation to think creatively about a fast-evolving geopolitical crisis. Whether you're a keen observer of international affairs, a cautious skeptic, or simply intrigued by ancient perspectives on modern dilemmas, the lens of this hexagram offers fresh clarity on the forces at play—and the enduring power of humble resolve.

Details about this session is below:

Topic: What will happen to Greenland? 

• 1:00 PM - 2:00PM, March 20, 2026 (HK time)
• Online
• HKD 599 per person (Maximum 6 participants)
• Register before March 17, 2026.  

Write to me directly to register.

The core concepts of I Ching—yin and yang and the 64 hexagrams—will be introduced. No prior knowledge required. Participants are invited to dive into a hands-on interpretive exercise.

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To learn more about Decoding Change: An Introduction to the I Ching’s Wisdom, click here: https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/mandarin-lessons?view=article&id=253:decoding-change-an-introduction-to-the-i-chings-wisdom&catid=11 

To see a list of all our Chinese courses, click here: https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/mandarin-lessons