The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 stated.
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 Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented 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 cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
