Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic 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 air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying 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 cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
