Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
