The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 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."
Growing 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 "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
