The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite 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 experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
