Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible 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 intervene about it," she observed.
