The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
