Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 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 threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
