Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further 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 "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling 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.
