The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" 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 Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
