The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
