The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 stated.
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 Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
