Recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 characterized 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 do anything about it," she observed.
