The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally 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 North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
