The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition 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 representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" 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 must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
