The latest American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to 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 United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition in the polar region. "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 value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
