Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 remarked.
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 Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, 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 issued 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
