The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
