The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish 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 Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
