The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 described 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 Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
