The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
