The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite 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?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
