Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 described 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 response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
