The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s 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 additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
