The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American 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 ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
