The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
