The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader 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 events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
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 annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
