The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
