The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"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 Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying 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 must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
