The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
