The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted 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 which power could intervene about it," she observed.
