The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" 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, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish 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 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
