The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
