The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
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 Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
