The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
