The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
