The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis 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 few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
