The recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
