The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted 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 couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
