The recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
