Recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 remarked.
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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
