The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
