The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
