Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
