Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating 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 president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
