Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events 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 repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
