The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, 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 issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
