Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to 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 work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, 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 Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.