The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 described 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously 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 unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
