The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition in the polar region. "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 Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
