Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
He described 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
