The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
