The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
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 representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally 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 North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 characterized 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling 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 not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
