Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
