The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
