The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
