The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered 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 notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.
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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
