The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
