The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "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 nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
