Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst 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 station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
