Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners 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 air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
