The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
