The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
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 president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
