The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
