Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders 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 take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
