The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
