The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic'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 further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
