The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted 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 couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
