The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers 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 take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
