The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" 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 issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once 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 not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
