Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
