The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, 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 unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
