The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent 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 work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
