The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying 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 inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
