The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
