The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action 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 European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
