The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
