The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
