Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard 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.
