The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
