The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
