The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
