The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
