The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory'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 legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence 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 few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
