The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously 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 Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
