The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to 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 potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
