Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition in the polar region. "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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
