The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
