Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate 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 further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
