The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
