Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
