The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry in the Arctic. "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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
