The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our 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 Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard 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.
