The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
