Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously 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 couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
