The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.