The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted 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 not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
