The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. 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 swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
