Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying 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 administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 described 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 reaction 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 prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
