Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's 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 forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
