Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
