The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "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 Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary 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 cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
