The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
