The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
