The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
