The latest American strike in Venezuela and the seizure 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 island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
