Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 which power could do anything about it," she observed.
