The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
