The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory'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 seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
