Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern 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 role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 remarked.
He described 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
