Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
