Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently 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 which power could do anything about it," she observed.
