Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "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 territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
