Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
