The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 "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 Indigenous Opposition
In response 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 both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
