The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 described 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 Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
