The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency 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 forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy 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 couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
