The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
