The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
