Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry in the polar region. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
