The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
