Recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming 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 capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "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 considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric 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 do anything about it," she observed.
