The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, 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. US security is equally the Arctic'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 ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" 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 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence 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 couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
