The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 described 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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying 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 cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
