The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
