Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’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 additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.