Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’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 guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically 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 appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.