The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
