The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
