The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following 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 the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity 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."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 characterized 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 Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
