Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
