The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
