The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global rivalry in the polar region. "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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
