The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s 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 ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
