Recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 described 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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
