The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
