The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest 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 Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
