Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny 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 reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
