The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
