The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power competition 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 described 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."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
