The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 characterized 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
