The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous 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 "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
