The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing 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 station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
