Recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" 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 joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
