The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous 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 serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 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 global security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
