Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
