Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
