The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered 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 our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political 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 publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
