Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
