The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
