Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
