The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic 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 equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
