The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "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 Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence 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 many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
