Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 characterized 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
