Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 remarked.
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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
