The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also 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 North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
