Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 stated.
He characterized 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
