The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
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 representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
