The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded 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 few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
