The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry in the Arctic. "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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
