The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 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 Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
