The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete 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 Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny 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 threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
