The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
