Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
