The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction 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 delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
