Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both 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."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
