Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
