Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
