The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
