The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 "very small 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 persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
