The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response 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 unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
