The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 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."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued 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 reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
