Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
