The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
