The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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 take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
