The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
