Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
