The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
