The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 described 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 intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
