The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
