The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
