The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
