The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies 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. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.