The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
