The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political 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 appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global competition 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
