The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
