The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
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 commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted 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 not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
