The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve 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, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
