The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
