The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 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."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
