The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
