The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.