The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
