The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension 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 events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
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 Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
