The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling 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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
