The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
