The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
