The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small 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 threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
