Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
