The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
