The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
