Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both 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 reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
