The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish 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 joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
