Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, 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 unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 intervene about it," she observed.
