Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions 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 "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, 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 analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
