The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
