The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition 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 described 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
