The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
