The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
