The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire 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.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
