The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
