Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
