The latest American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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.
