The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He described 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 "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
