The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power competition 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
