The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic'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 additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power competition in the Arctic. "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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
