The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
