The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated 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, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
