The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 described 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
