The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked 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 South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously 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 do anything about it," she concluded.
