Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked 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 envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 stated.
He described 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 Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
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 must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
