Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
