The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
