The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
