The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid 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 "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
