The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly 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 military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority 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 legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
