The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
