Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
