The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also 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 North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action 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 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" 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 unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
