The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
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, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small 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 reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 intervene about it," she observed.
