The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
