The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
