The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders 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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
