The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
