The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
