The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
