The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force 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 stated.
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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
