The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
