Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies 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 collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" 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 actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
