The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate 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 US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also 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 Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
