The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
