The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
