The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to 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 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
