Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
