Report: The Digital Conversation In Greenland - A study of polarization and Democratic Resilience on Facebook in Greenland
This report examines how external actors and geopolitical tensions shaped Greenland’s digital public debate in the lead-up to the Greenlandic election in March 2025. The analysis maps polarization and influence on Facebook between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
How does external attention shape a small democracy’s digital debate — and what happens when global geopolitical narratives enter a local political conversation? The report finds that Greenland’s online discussions were largely shaped by the outside world. In particular, statements and activity linked to Donald Trump and his supporters strongly influenced what topics dominated the debate ahead of the election, leaving less room for domestic political issues and triggering widespread anger directed at the United States.
At the same time, the debate about how Greenland should navigate its relationship with the United States revealed internal polarization. While there is broad agreement on the goal of greater independence, there is sharp disagreement about which international partners Greenland should engage with and on what terms independence should be built. The relationship with Denmark also generated strong reactions, as issues such as the Cryolite Mine documentary, the Spiral Case and statements by Danish politicians fueled narratives about colonial history and intensified frustration directed at Denmark.
Yet the findings also point to an important source of democratic resilience. Throughout 2025, messages emphasizing unity and Greenlandic self-determination generated strong engagement and support. In a digital environment shaped by geopolitical pressure and external attention, these expressions of unity appear to function as a counterforce that strengthens community and reduces the impact of external influence.
The report was produced in collaboration with Nordic Safe Cities and funded with support from Grønlandsbanken Erhvervsfond.
