The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
