The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
