Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
