The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism 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," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 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 Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
