The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.
He characterized 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 "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
