Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
