Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president'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 island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
