The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
