Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action 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 alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
