The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
