Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
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 appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
