The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
