The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
