The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
