Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
