The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service 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 stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
