The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
