The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
