Recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses 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 during intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.
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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, 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 delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "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 residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
