The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
