The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
