The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
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 both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
