The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
