Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated 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 "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 described 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."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
