The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass 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 podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, 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 Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, 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 unified 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 territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
