The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
