The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
