Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
