The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, 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 administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
