The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 described 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 Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
