The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
