The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
