Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’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 Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
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 leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
