The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
