The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
