The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He characterized 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
