Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
