The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
