The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
