The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners 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 US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.
He described 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, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded 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 couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
