The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our 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 highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
