The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic'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 ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
