Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
