The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together 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 United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
