The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
