Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling 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 must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
