The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
