The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared 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 the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
