Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
