ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the concept of reputation is key for understanding US–Greenlandic–Danish relations today. Hampered by its colonial legacy, Denmark remains vulnerable to Greenlandic criticism in ongoing triangular controversies. This is good news for the US, since the Danish “lightning rod” can sometimes spare the Americans from potential Greenlandic criticism. For Denmark, however, it can necessitate mobilising its own favourable reputation in Washington on Greenland’s behalf to help ease controversies. Thereby the “Greenland card” in transatlantic relations, that has traditionally allowed Denmark to capitalise on Greenland in its dealings with the US, may now be a two-way street.
