The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’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 boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
