Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
