The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
