The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
