The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
