The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 stated.
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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
