Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank 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 few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
