The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
