The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions 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 "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
