Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
