The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally 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 North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
