The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
