The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
