The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
