The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, 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 cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 described 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."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
