The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves 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 commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "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 both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
