The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny 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 constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
