Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
