Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also 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 further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 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."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
