Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
