Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 described 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, 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 joint 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
