The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
