The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.
He described 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard 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 observed.
