The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
