The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.
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 Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
