The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition in the Arctic. "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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
