The recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded 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 couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
