Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible 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.
