The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
