The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
