The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners 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 Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
