The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
