The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
