The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
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 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 "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
