The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies 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. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity 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 wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency 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 forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
