The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
