The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" 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 issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis 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 couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
