The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary 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 cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
