The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
