The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 "very small 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 "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
