The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments 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 publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
