The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 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 Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
