The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
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 international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
