The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
