The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to 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 United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
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 "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
