Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
