The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
