Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state 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 unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both 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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
