The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition 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 special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners 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 notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
