The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently 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 not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
