The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction 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 leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric 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.
