The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
