The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented 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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
