The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
