The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate 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 work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
