The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "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 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
