The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
