The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
