Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 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 Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
