The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating 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, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
