The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated 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 "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
