The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
