Hallvard Devold’s 1931 Norwegian Claim on East Greenland – Grandson Reflects on Arctic Imperialism

From Past to Future: How Arctic History Shapes Tomorrow’s Geopolitics

When Hallvard Devold raised the Norwegian flag on East Greenland in 1931, he wasn’t just planting a piece of cloth. he was igniting a debate that still reverberates across the Arctic today. The clash between Norway and Denmark, the surge of nationalist sentiment and the strategic race for polar resources all provide a blueprint for what we can expect in the coming decades.

Historical Echoes of the Greenland Occupation

Devold’s “ishavsimperialisme” (ice‑sea imperialism) was fueled by a ten‑year “war” with Denmark over sovereignty. Nationalist groups like the Grønlandslag and figures such as Gustav Smedal pushed for a private occupation, which later fed into the rise of the fascist‑aligned Nasjonal Samling (NS). The episode illustrates how economic motives (hunting, fishing, and later, oil) intertwine with patriotic fervor.

Today, similar dynamics are at play: Norway, Russia, Canada, and Denmark (via Greenland) all lay claim to sections of the Arctic continental shelf, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) even as simultaneously leveraging nationalist narratives to rally public support.

Climate Change: The Great Ice‑Breaker

Arctic sea ice has shrunk by about 13% per decade since the 1980s. This melt opens new shipping lanes—like the Northern Sea Route—and unlocks previously inaccessible mineral deposits. Nations that once viewed the Arctic as a frozen frontier now see it as a strategic economic corridor.

For example, Russia’s Arctic development plan projects a 15‑fold increase in cargo traffic through the Northern Sea Route by 2030. The same trend is prompting Norway to invest heavily in ice‑breaker fleets and satellite monitoring systems.

Future Trends in Arctic Sovereignty

• Increased Legal Disputes: Expect more submissions to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) as countries seek to extend their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
• Militarisation of the High North: Nations are modernising Arctic‑capable naval vessels and establishing joint exercises, echoing the Cold‑War era “ice‑war” but with advanced drones and AI‑driven surveillance.
• Resource Rush: Exploration licences for oil, gas, and rare‑earth minerals are soaring, especially around the Barents Sea and the East Greenland margin.
• Indigenous Partnerships: Growing recognition of Inuit and Sami rights is reshaping policy, with co‑management agreements becoming a diplomatic “must‑have.”

Nationalism Meets Climate Policy

Just as Devold’s actions were framed by a post‑1814 national trauma, modern Arctic policy is often framed by a resurgence of “national pride” tied to climate resilience. Governments are using climate‑adaptation projects—like coastal fortifications and renewable‑energy hubs—as symbols of sovereignty, much like Norway’s early 20th‑century meteorological stations on Greenland.

What This Means for Stakeholders

For Governments

Policy‑makers must balance the lure of new resources with the obligations under international law and Indigenous rights. Investing in diplomatic channels—such as the Arctic Council—will be essential to avoid the “private occupation” pitfalls of the 1930s.

For Business Leaders

Companies eyeing Arctic extraction should adopt a “green‑first” strategy: partnering with local communities, complying with strict environmental standards, and preparing for rapid regulatory changes as climate thresholds shift.

For Researchers and Journalists

Follow the historical patterns: every surge in territorial ambition is accompanied by a wave of public propaganda. Analyzing past media campaigns—like the Tidens Tegn support for Devold—can reveal the narrative tools used today by state‑backed outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Greenland ever become part of Norway again?

Current international law and the 1933 Haag decision make a reversal highly unlikely. However, joint management of resources could increase cooperation.

How does climate change affect Arctic sovereignty claims?

Melting ice expands the area of continental shelf that can be claimed, prompting new CLCS submissions and intensified resource exploration.

Are there any active military bases in the Arctic?

Yes. Norway’s Arctic Command operates in the High North, and Russia maintains several bases on its northern coast.

What role do Indigenous peoples play in Arctic governance?

Inuit, Sami, and other Indigenous groups hold consultative status in the Arctic Council and increasingly influence resource‑sharing agreements.

Looking Ahead: A New Arctic Narrative

The legacy of Hallvard Devold reminds us that personal ambition, national pride, and strategic interests can converge to reshape borders. As the ice recedes, the same forces will re‑emerge—only this time they will be amplified by technology, global markets, and a climate in flux.

Understanding the past is the best way to anticipate the future. By watching how historic “ice‑sea imperialism” evolved, we can better navigate the complex, rapidly changing Arctic landscape.