The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’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 further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
