The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
