The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 described 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
