The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared 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 this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
