The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence 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.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
