The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand 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 governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish 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 stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
