The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
