The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 stated.
He characterized 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."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
