The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
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."
Growing 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 both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
