Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.
He characterized 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 Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
