The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis 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 few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
