The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "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 vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
