The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our 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 diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.