The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
