Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to 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 praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
