The Nordic (Western) presence in Greenland dates back to 982. Formal colonization in the modern sense began in 1721. Technically, and from a Greenlandic point of view, Greenland is still a Danish colony, though Denmark refuses to recognize this description. The decolonization process began formally in 1979 and was increased in 2009. Currently, the relationship is discussed by both parties. Some of the important topics in this discussion focus on the economy, geopolitics, independence, resources, and education. This talk will discuss some of the possible directions the relationship might take in the near and the more distant future.
Klaus Georg Hansen
holds a PhD in planning, social anthropology and Greenlandic culture and language. He currently serves as the Head of the Interior Division for the Government of Greenland. His research topics include: the colonial history of Greenland, political development in Greenland, kayak dizziness, demography in the Arctic, and large-scale industrial development in the Arctic. He has previously held positions as the head of the national library of Greenland, head of Sisimiut Museum, head of division of national spatial planning, head of faculty at Ilisimatusarfik, and deputy director at Nordregio (Sweden).
Thursday, October 25, 2018
4:00-5:00pm
Voesar Conference Room, Suite 412
Elliott School of International Affairs
1957 E St NW
