The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
