The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
