The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.