Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
