Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.