The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
