The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern 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 representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
