The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
