Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" 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 stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
