Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
