The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our 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 diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response 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 both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "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 nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
