The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary 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 must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
