The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
