The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
