The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once 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 few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
