The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic'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 Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
