The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our 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 the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition in the polar region. "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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. 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 station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
