The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
