Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
