Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
