The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
