Recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
