Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
