The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
