The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect 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 naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. 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 territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
