The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary 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 annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
