The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
