Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
