The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over 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 legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
