Recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
