The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
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 symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
