The latest American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies 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.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 characterized 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 Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
