The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared 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 increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
