The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described 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 Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
