The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
