The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
