Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," 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 publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
