Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared 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 significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
