The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority 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.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
