The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together 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 ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 "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 Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
