Recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's 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 unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
