The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
