Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s 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 additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule 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 Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
