The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared 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 additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "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 overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
