Recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 "tiny 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 Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
