The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island 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 Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In response 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 delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
