The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
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 volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
