The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction 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 prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint 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 complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
