The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly 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 representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
