The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power competition 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
