The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
