The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency 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 stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
