Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
