The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
