The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's 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 stern 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
