The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
