The latest American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying 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 commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 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 Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
