The latest American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, 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 issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
