The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
