The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small 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 reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
