The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 "tiny 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 constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling 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 not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
