The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours 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 image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally 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 work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry in the polar region. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
