The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
