The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small 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 constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
