Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
