The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
