Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating 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 administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
