Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 do anything about it," she concluded.
