Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once 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 troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
