The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
