The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
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 must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
