The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
