The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated 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 highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint 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 vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
