The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
