The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
