The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
