Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers 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 Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic 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 further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, 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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
