Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
