The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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 cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
