The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
