The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous 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 "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek 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 declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
