The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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 intervene about it," she observed.
