Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, 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 intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
