The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing 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 deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
