The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee 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 Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
