The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power competition 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
