The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service 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 forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
