The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
