Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary 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 must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
