Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry in the polar region. "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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's 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 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
