The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our 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 further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
