The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
