The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
