The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic'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 North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
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 prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
