The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing 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 deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
