Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
