Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's 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 island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
