The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
