The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
