The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
