The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global rivalry in the polar region. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
