The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’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 diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 which power could intervene about it," she observed.
