The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of 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 stated.
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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling 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 must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
