The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our 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 Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 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 Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
