The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, 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 joint and forceful rebuke: "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 vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
