Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire 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 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 Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
