The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
