The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
