The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts 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 aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
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 Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
