The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 described 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 Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.