The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state 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 volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
