Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
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 cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
