The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence 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 couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
