Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future 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 declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
