Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee 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."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
