Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
