The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
