The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction 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 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
