The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" 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 unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.