Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
