The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility 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 station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
