The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
