The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
