Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
