The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
