The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
