Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny 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 constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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 who could do anything about it," she concluded.
