The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard 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.
