Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry in the polar region. "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 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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
