Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's 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 stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage 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 seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
