The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
