The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America'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 South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global rivalry 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish 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 joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing 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 deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
